THE DAMASCUS HORROR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19454, 13 November 1925, Page 8

THE DAMASCUS HORROR

A NEW VERSION. BRITISHER BLAMED. PARIS, Nov. 11. A member of General Sarrail’s staff who has just arrived has given the “Petit Parisien” a new account of the Damascus bombardment, sensationally blaming Commander Smart, the British representative, for the subsequent panic. General Sarrail was shown the story and agreed as to its accuracy. It says that the French during the afternoon of September .18 attacked 22 rebels who were burning Armenian houses. The rebels, after cutting the throats of. and mutilating, old women and men, advanced to the headquarters of General Sarrail, who ordered that eight shells be fired into the quarters of the revolt.

Next morning the bandits, reinforced, attacked and pillaged Azem Palace. The French resumed the bombardment and destroyed three hundred mud houses. There were .137 casualties, of whom 13 French soldiers were killed and 47 wounded. Fifty Armenians' throats were cut.

The following day the.rebels handed over 3000 rifles and hostilities ceased. The resultant panic was due to Commander Smart’s action in placarding the town with a proclamation informing Britishers that they should leave Damascus and offering no guarantee of refuge. Commander Smart subsequently issued a second placard stating that the bombardment was recommencing, and inviting Britishers to attend the consulate, with a view to their despatch to the safety zone. This undoubtedly created a panic, as there was no reason to fear resumption, General Sarrail having promised to warn Commander Smart in the event of shelling the city again.